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From Looms to Legends: Nand Kishore Chaudhary's Trailblazing Journey with Jaipur Rugs

• 09 June 2023
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• 3 Min Read
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• By Jaipur Rugs

Nand Kishore Chaudhary's passion for art and craftsmanship led him to establish Jaipur Rugs, a brand that not only revolutionised the rug-making industry but also empowered thousands of skilled artists.

In 1973, within the humble walls of Bharat Boot House, Nand Kishore Chaudhary embarked on a journey that would eventually transform into something remarkable. Nand Kishore Chaudhary's passion for art and craftsmanship led him to establish Jaipur Rugs. This brand not only revolutionized the rug-making industry but also empowered thousands of skilled artists. From its modest beginnings with just two looms, Jaipur Rugs has grown to encompass 7000 looms donated for Livelihood and a family of 40000 Artisans trained for Livelihood spread across 90 countries. Let’s take a look at the Jaipur Rugs journey through the eyes of our founder, whom we lovingly call Bhaisaab or NKC. 

The Inception

Even though NKC joined his father’s shoe business, Bharat Boot House, his entrepreneurial spirit drove him to explore new avenues. Encouraged by a friend, he ventured into establishing a small business, realising that his true passion lay elsewhere. In 1978, with some help from his father and a loan of Rs 5,000, NKC worked with nine artisans and two looms to produce two rugs, which were sold under the name ‘Bharat Carpet Enterprise.’ These initial steps laid the foundation for the future success of Jaipur Rugs.

Discovering a Community of Artisans

During the 1990s, NKC stumbled upon a community of highly skilled artists who were undervalued and underrepresented. These artisans possessed generations of expertise in rug weaving but lacked a platform to showcase their talent. NKC not only revolutionized the rug-making industry but also challenged the deeply ingrained caste system that had plagued Indian society for centuries. Despite societal condemnation, he recognized the immense talent and potential of weavers and, with a vision of empowerment and inclusivity, expanded his company to incorporate these artisans from the heartlands of India. He understood that true empowerment lies in transcending these barriers and embracing the innate skills and creativity of every individual, regardless of their social status.

Empowering the Weaving Community

As NKC's commitment to uplifting the weaving community grew, so did the need for effective communication channels. The Indian government's support granted him special permission to use walkie-talkies, enabling seamless communication between Jaipur Rugs and the artisans spread across different regions. This remarkable gesture showcased the government's recognition of the company's social impact and dedication to preserving traditional art forms.

Shaping Jaipur Rugs

NKC's exceptional leadership skills, coupled with empathy and love, attracted numerous artists to join his cause. By 2006, Jaipur Rugs had transformed into a close-knit family comprising NKC's four children and an astounding 10,000 artists across multiple states in India. This collective effort brought NKC's vision of elevating artisans to the status of artists to life. It led him to establish the Jaipur Rugs Foundation, which goes a step further in improving the lives of the weavers who work with us. The unique combination of traditional craftsmanship and innovative design techniques became the hallmark of the brand, which in 2006 was renamed from Jaipur Carpets to Jaipur Rugs Pvt Ltd.

A Global Standard in Rug-Making

Today, Jaipur Rugs is a testament to NKC's unwavering commitment and vision. With a family of 40000 Artisans trained for Livelihood, the brand has expanded its global footprint to over 90 countries. Through Jaipur Rugs, NKC has created a platform that not only preserves traditional craftsmanship but also uplifts the lives of thousands of artists. Join the Jaipur Rugs family and find your special rug crafted with love and dedication by our talented artists. After all, each piece from Jaipur Rugs is more than a work of art; it’s a family’s blessing.